Kevelaer is celebrating a special anniversary this year: for over 25 years, the community buses have been connecting people and places, creating mobility and strengthening the sense of community. What began in 1995 with the first Kevelaer-Twisteden route has developed over the years into an indispensable part of the local infrastructure. Today, the community buses serve numerous routes, including the Kevelaer-Kervenheim, Kevelaer-Wetten and Kevelaer-Winnekendonk routes, which have been operating successfully since August 1999 and are now celebrating their silver anniversary. "The community buses are an example of what can be achieved through the commitment and cohesion of our citizens. They not only offer a practical solution for the mobility needs of our region, but also stand for solidarity and neighbourly help," emphasizes Mayor Dr. Dominik Pichler. "Over the past 25 years, we have created a connection through the community buses that goes far beyond transportation - they are a lifeline for many in our city and the surrounding communities."
140 round-the-world trips
The concept behind the community buses is simple yet effective: volunteer drivers get behind the wheel to take fellow citizens safely and reliably to their destination. Each citizens' bus association has around 25 to 40 volunteers who ensure the operation of the buses with their commitment. The vehicles are on the road on weekdays from around 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; on Saturdays, travel times are somewhat limited.
"Each bus covers between 30,000 and 90,000 kilometers a year. Over the last 25 years, they have covered a good 5.5 million kilometers. That's almost 140 trips around the equator. So if you are in South America or Africa in the near future and see one of our citizen buses, it's no wonder," jokes Wolfgang Toonen from Stadtwerke Kevelaer, referring to the distance covered over the years. At a time when mobility and climate awareness are more important than ever, the community buses offer a sustainable and efficient alternative to private cars.
The current operations manager has been involved in the development of the citizens' bus associations from the very beginning. "The reduction in public bus routes and the associated difficulties of getting from A to B without your own car led to the founding of the first citizens' bus association in Kevelaer in Twisteden in 1995. The successful concept not only spread throughout the region, more and more volunteers got behind the wheel of community buses in NRW. In 1999, the Kevelaer-Kervenheim, -Wetten and -Winnekendonk routes were launched," Toonen recalls. In the same year, Pro Bürgerbus NRW, the platform of citizen bus associations in NRW, was also founded. Its representative Franz Heckens was also present at the anniversary celebration in the public meeting place in Winnekendonk.
Appreciation
As a thank you for the many hours of free time that drivers put in, Stadtwerke Kevelaer invited all active members of the community bus associations to a convivial evening. "Without the active support of the volunteers, this project would be unthinkable. Their commitment is impressive and deserves the utmost respect. They bring people together every day and make an invaluable contribution to the quality of life in our region," said Wolfgang Toonen, thanking those present. The community buses are not just a means of transportation, but a meeting place that strengthens the sense of community. The buses are a valuable support in everyday life, especially for older people and people without their own car. They provide access to medical appointments, shopping facilities and social contacts. "We often know the passengers personally, which leads to conversations and a feeling of togetherness that is rarely found on larger means of transport," the volunteers agreed and toasted to the next few years of the community bus associations in Kevelaer.